I am not going to just release the gas, so either way it goes I am going to have to take it to a shop for draining, and probably for filling too. That being the case, would I still save much to change the compressor out myself?

 

Once you have the drive belt off, it is only 4 easy to get to bolts and 2 hoses and the compressor comes out. I don't know that you will save that much.

 

DennisMik is correct. The A/C is probably one of the easiest things to remove that is connected directly to the engine. However, if you are a DIYer, I say go for it.